James Higson

That. Is. Insane. This is where I want to be at some point before I die.

Don't use the good whisky

Getting an acrylic waterproof leather sealant will sort all your problems. Dye, allow to dry as Alan said and then a couple of coats of acrylic sealant and it will not rub off. I use this for leather tankards and I dont get dye on my face when I drink from them! I do use eco-flo dye which soaks in really well and dries very quickly. There is a huge difference between a good dye and a naff one. Can make or ruin a piece.

This is very very cool! Table santokus, I'll have to visit this restaurant next time I'm over and try one of these for myself if it all goes ahead! Love the knives, obviously, not sure how someone without knife making experience would do making handles for them though.... I know you don't enjoy the handle making as much as the forging so does sound like the ideal situation though

I see all you responsible adults managed to avoid making the very obvious joke that goes with this thread title

Delightfully tight 'W's, great little knife

Yeah I think I remember, the ludicrously tall one? Haha. Yep, odds are pretty on. Never lost something in the post but sods law and all that is he doing that weird 'S' grind thingy he was talking about? Not sure how I feel about that, straight lines are sexy. The time of the turdyplop is upon us! Soon everyone will see us as visionaries and it isn't just a sample he takes from deer, he jacks them off and grows them in dishes! Fine dexterity he then transfers to screwing up pattern welding and making better patterns!

That is epic! Looks like it will cut like a laser too

Sensual, love the nickel barrier layer too, looks great! Is that practical or cosmetic? Highly productive indeed! James

Getting dragon's breath does normally indicate a neutral or reducing atmosphere. I get a reducing atmosphere even with the choke on my AMAL burner fully open, it's likely due to the size of your propane nipple in the burner chucking out a ton of gas, too much for the air being taken in with it. This is not a bad thing for a lot of work as you get cleaner steel (which is most important to me) but it does hurt your wallet

I have two venturi burner forges. They work beautifully in high wind and also everywhere else. They are AMAL burners and have served me very well. I have always been told that forced air propane burners when used for forge welding absolutely chew up your steel with oxidative scale formation. Is this the case?

Great story and I can see why you are proud of that last tanto, absolutely magnificent activity in the hamon. You continue to inspire and educate, can't wait to see what you make next!

Wow, thank you for the kind words and for the nomination Emiliano, I think I speak for sam and I when I say that means more than you know. We owe at least half of the project to your guidance through the tortuous world of leather sheath making! Thank you Ryan, Jason and Josh, makes those hours in the workshop instead of assisting with wedding planning all worthwhile!

Cheers guys, means a lot after so much work!

They will absolutely be part of the regalia. We're getting married in a castle and we are allowed to wear the Seaxes until the drinking starts, they then have to go into the armoury! A reasonable request I think